February often feels like the longest month for gardeners. The days are still cold, the ground is wet, and spring feels a long way off. But in reality, February is one of the most important months for getting ahead in the garden - if you plant the right things.
In Lancashire, the key is understanding what can cope with cold, damp conditions and what needs to wait. Planting now isn’t about instant results. It’s about giving plants time to establish so they’re stronger and healthier when spring growth kicks in.
Can you really plant in February?
Yes, but with common sense.
If the ground isn’t frozen solid or completely waterlogged, February is ideal for:
• Hardy plants
• Bare-root stock
• Early vegetables
• Trees, shrubs and hedging
The biggest mistake people make is trying to treat February like March or April. Tender plants won’t survive frost, no matter how hopeful the weather forecast looks.
Hardy perennials and Alpines
Hardy perennials are one of the safest bets this time of year. They’re designed to cope with cold conditions and will benefit from getting their roots established early.
Good options for February include:
• Primroses
• Hellebores
• Violas and pansies
• Geraniums (hardy varieties)
• Heuchera
These plants will sit quietly through winter and then burst into life as temperatures rise.
Alpines are small, hardy plants that naturally grow in rocky or mountainous areas, which makes them ideal for cold, exposed conditions.
They’re perfect for February planting because they prefer good drainage and cooler temperatures, and they don’t mind slow, steady growth.
Popular alpine choices include:
• Rock cress (Aubrieta)
• Saxifraga
• Alpine phlox
• Sedum
• Campanula
Alpines work especially well in:
• Rock gardens
• Raised beds
• Gravel borders
• Pots and containers with free-draining compost
The key with alpines is drainage. They hate sitting in wet soil, so mixing grit or sand into your compost or planting area will help them thrive.
Spring-flowering bulbs
Most spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips and crocuses should ideally be planted in autumn, but February isn’t a lost cause.
You can still plant certain bulbs now, especially if they’ve been kept cool and dry or are being grown in pots.
Good February bulb options include:
• Snowdrops (in the green)
• Late daffodils
• Alliums
• Iris reticulata
• Gladioli (for summer flowering)
If you’ve missed the autumn window, planting bulbs in February usually means slightly later flowering, but they’ll still perform well.
Bulbs planted now are best suited to:
• Pots and containers
• Borders with well-drained soil
• Areas that get full sun in spring
Just avoid soft, mouldy or sprouting bulbs as they’re unlikely to succeed.
Bare-root plants
February is prime time for bare-root planting. These are plants sold without soil around their roots and include:
• Roses
• Fruit trees
• Hedging plants
• Some shrubs and climbers
Bare-root plants establish better in winter because they focus on root growth rather than leaves and flowers. By spring, they’re already settled and ready to grow.
Early vegetables
If your soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged, you can start planting some vegetables in February.
Best options for Lancashire gardens include:
• Broad beans
• Onions
• Shallots
• Early peas
• Garlic
These crops are hardy and can handle cold conditions. They won’t grow much yet, but they’ll be ready to take off when the weather improves.
Trees, shrubs and climbers
February is also an excellent month to plant:
• Trees
• Shrubs
• Climbers like honeysuckle and clematis
As long as the ground can be dug and drained properly, winter planting gives them the best chance to establish strong root systems before spring.
What not to plant yet
Some things are better left alone until the risk of frost has passed.
Avoid planting:
• Bedding plants
• Tender annuals
• Tomatoes, chillies or summer veg
• Anything labelled “half-hardy”
Planting these too early usually leads to wasted money and disappointment.
Protecting new plants from frost
Lancashire weather can change quickly, so protection is key.
Simple tips:
• Use horticultural fleece on cold nights
• Avoid planting during heavy frost or snow
• Mulch around new plants to retain warmth
• Don’t plant into waterlogged soil
It’s better to wait a week than plant into poor conditions.
Why February planting makes spring easier
Planting in February means:
• Less work in March and April
• Stronger root systems
• Healthier plants
• Earlier flowers and crops
It spreads the workload and makes spring feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
Local advice makes all the difference
Every garden is different. Soil type, drainage and sun exposure all affect what will thrive.
At Old Oak Farm Nurseries, we stock plants suited to local conditions and can advise on what will work best for your garden. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time to plant something, just ask - a five-minute conversation can save months of frustration.
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